FTMO and E8 Markets are two major players in proprietary trading, but they cater to different trader needs. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- FTMO: A well-established firm (since 2015) with global recognition but does not accept U.S.-based traders. Offers a two-step evaluation process, profit splits starting at 80% (up to 90%), and account scaling up to $2,000,000. Limited trading platforms (MetaTrader 4/5).
- E8 Markets: A newer firm (founded in 2021) based in Dallas, TX, that welcomes U.S. traders. Provides flexible evaluation options, profit splits ranging from 40% to 100%, and scaling up to $1,000,000. Supports a broader range of platforms, including NinjaTrader and TradeStation.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | FTMO | E8 Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Years in Operation | Since 2015 | Since 2021 |
| U.S. Trader Access | No | Yes |
| Profit Split | 80%-90% | 40%-100% |
| Scaling Potential | Up to $2,000,000 | Up to $1,000,000 |
| Evaluation Process | Two-step | Multiple options |
| Trading Platforms | MetaTrader 4/5 | MT4, MT5, NinjaTrader, TradeStation |
Key Takeaway: FTMO is ideal for traders outside the U.S. seeking structured scaling and a proven track record. E8 Markets is better for U.S.-based traders wanting platform flexibility and higher profit splits.
E8 Funding vs FTMO: The Ultimate Prop Firm Showdown!
Company Backgrounds and Account Scaling
Looking at verified scaling data can provide valuable insights for traders aiming to build long-term careers.
FTMO Overview: Background and Scaling Options
FTMO has established itself as a prominent name in proprietary trading. However, specific details about its scaling options are not publicly disclosed. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, traders should refer to FTMO’s official resources. On the other hand, E8 Markets openly shares its scaling criteria and performance rewards.
E8 Markets Overview: Background and Scaling Options
Founded in 2021 in Dallas, Texas, E8 Markets has quickly made a name for itself, attracting over 350,000 traders and distributing more than $59 million in payouts. The platform offers a dynamic scaling model, rewarding traders who demonstrate consistent success.
E8 Markets provides traders with initial virtual capital of up to $500,000, which can grow to a maximum of $1,000,000. For both E8 Classic and E8 Track accounts, each successful payout resets the trading benchmark, recalibrating daily and initial drawdown limits without reducing the payout amount. Traders who achieve a 10% net profit over three months and complete at least one successful withdrawal qualify for a 25% capital increase at each scaling phase.
The firm also offers profit splits of up to 100%. Most traders start with an 80% profit split, while E8 Track accounts can scale up to 90% as the account grows. Notably, E8 Markets welcomes U.S.-based traders, making it a viable choice for American clients.
Account Scaling Comparison Table
The table below outlines the key differences between FTMO and E8 Markets in terms of scaling and profit splits.
| Feature | FTMO | E8 Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Account Size | N/A | Up to $1,000,000 |
| Scaling Frequency | N/A | Dynamic – balance increases with each successful payout |
| Profit Split Range | N/A | 80% up to 100% (up to 90% for E8 Track accounts) |
| U.S. Trader Access | N/A | Yes |
| Scaling Requirements | N/A | 10% net profit over 3 months + one successful withdrawal |
| Years in Operation | N/A | Since 2021 |
| Total Payouts | N/A | Over $59 million |
While FTMO’s specific scaling details remain unclear, E8 Markets stands out with its transparent and performance-driven approach to account growth.
Evaluation Structures and Funding Programs
Choosing the right trading program starts with understanding how each firm evaluates traders. Knowing their evaluation methods can help you align your trading style and risk tolerance with the right program.
FTMO’s Two-Step Evaluation Process
FTMO uses a two-step process to evaluate traders. This includes an initial challenge followed by a verification phase. While specific details like profit targets, drawdown limits, and minimum trading requirements aren’t publicly disclosed, they can vary. For the most up-to-date and accurate information, it’s best to consult FTMO’s official website.
E8 Markets’ Evaluation Approach
E8 Markets takes a more flexible approach by offering multiple evaluation options tailored to different trading styles and experience levels. The firm prioritizes transparency, clearly outlining profit targets, risk management rules, and trading guidelines. Additionally, their evaluation process is designed to be accessible for traders in the U.S.
Evaluation Rules Comparison Table
Here’s a side-by-side look at how FTMO and E8 Markets structure their evaluations:
| Evaluation Feature | FTMO | E8 Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluation Process | Two-phase process | Multiple options available |
| Requirement Details | Not publicly detailed | Clear and transparent criteria |
| Accessibility for U.S. Traders | Refer to official resources | Fully accessible |
While both firms aim to assess a trader’s skills, their evaluation methods differ in structure and transparency.
Trading Platforms and Technology Infrastructure
The technology you rely on for trading plays a pivotal role in your success. Both FTMO and E8 Markets support popular trading platforms, but their approaches to infrastructure differ in ways that can impact traders significantly.
Supported Trading Platforms
FTMO focuses on MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, two of the most widely used platforms among forex and CFD traders. These platforms offer essential tools for charting, automation, and technical analysis. However, if you prefer other software, this limited selection might feel restrictive.
E8 Markets, on the other hand, supports a broader range of platforms, including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, NinjaTrader, and TradeStation. This variety is especially helpful for U.S. traders, who often favor NinjaTrader for futures trading or TradeStation for its advanced analytical features. This flexibility allows you to work within the environment you’re most comfortable with.
For traders employing algorithmic strategies, platform compatibility is crucial. NinjaTrader’s C# programming and TradeStation’s EasyLanguage cater to different coding preferences and levels of strategy complexity. These options provide traders with the tools they need to execute their strategies effectively.
Technology Features and Latency
Beyond platform options, execution speed is a critical factor. The ability to execute trades quickly and reliably can make or break certain strategies, especially during volatile market conditions. Both FTMO and E8 Markets understand this, but their infrastructure investments differ.
FTMO uses standard broker infrastructure, which ensures stable and reliable connections for most retail trading needs. However, during high-volatility periods, performance may vary due to the lack of specific latency guarantees.
E8 Markets prioritizes low-latency execution, which is particularly advantageous for scalping and high-frequency trading. Their infrastructure is designed to reduce the time between placing and executing an order, which can be the difference between profit and loss in fast-moving markets.
Server location is another key factor in execution speed. Automated traders and scalpers often benefit from hosting their trading systems on a VPS located close to their broker’s servers. This ensures minimal delay and optimal performance, which is why dedicated VPS solutions are so valuable.
QuantVPS: VPS Hosting for Trading
For traders working with prop firms like FTMO and E8 Markets, Virtual Private Servers (VPS) are a must-have for maintaining consistent performance and avoiding disruptions caused by unreliable home internet connections.
QuantVPS offers VPS hosting tailored for forex and futures trading. With latency as low as 0-1ms and a 100% uptime guarantee, it provides the reliability needed to meet the demands of prop firm accounts.
QuantVPS supports major trading platforms like MetaTrader, NinjaTrader, and TradeStation, making it fully compatible with the platforms offered by FTMO and E8 Markets. Key features include DDoS protection, automatic backups, and dedicated resources to ensure that your trading performance isn’t affected by other users.
Plans are competitively priced, starting at $41.99 per month (when billed annually) for the VPS Lite plan. This plan includes 4 cores, 8GB of RAM, and 70GB of NVMe storage – ideal for traders with simple setups. For those with more demanding needs, the VPS Pro, VPS Ultra, and Dedicated Server plans offer progressively higher specifications.
| VPS Plan | Monthly Cost (Annual) | Cores | RAM | Storage | Monitor Support | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VPS Lite | $41.99 | 4 | 8GB | 70GB NVMe | 1 | 1-2 charts |
| VPS Pro | $69.99 | 6 | 16GB | 150GB NVMe | 2 | 3-5 charts |
| VPS Ultra | $132.99 | 24 | 64GB | 500GB NVMe | 4 | 5-7 charts |
| Dedicated Server | $209.99 | 16+ | 128GB | 2TB+ NVMe | 6 | Heavy workloads/7+ charts |
All plans include Windows Server 2022, unmetered bandwidth, and global accessibility, so you can trade from anywhere. Features like NVMe storage ensure fast data access, while full root access gives you complete control over your trading environment.
For prop traders, using a VPS can eliminate the risk of missed trades or rule violations caused by outages or system failures. With reliable performance and consistent uptime, VPS hosting supports the discipline and precision needed to excel in prop firm trading environments.
Tradable Instruments and Market Access
The instruments you trade play a huge role in shaping your strategy and determining your potential profits. Both FTMO and E8 Markets provide access to different markets, but there are key differences – especially for U.S.-based traders. This section dives into how the availability of trading instruments can influence strategies, building on earlier discussions about evaluation structures.
FTMO Instrument Availability
FTMO Global offers a wide variety of instruments across several asset classes. Traders can access forex pairs, indices, commodities (including metals), stocks, and cryptocurrencies. This broad range supports diversified trading strategies and opens up opportunities in multiple markets.
But here’s the catch for U.S. traders: their options are much more limited. U.S. traders must use FTMO through a partnership with FTMO x OANDA, which significantly restricts the instruments available. Here’s what’s on the table for U.S. traders:
- 42 forex pairs, covering major, minor, and select exotic currencies
- 3 U.S. indices
- Commodities limited to gold and crude oil
- Cryptocurrencies restricted to BTCUSD as the only option
This means U.S. traders miss out on stocks, a wider range of commodities, and additional cryptocurrency pairs, which can put significant constraints on their trading strategies.
E8 Markets Instrument Availability
When it comes to E8 Markets, there’s a noticeable lack of transparency. The firm doesn’t provide detailed information about the instruments it offers. Without clear data on forex pairs, indices, commodities, or other asset classes, traders have no easy way to determine if E8 Markets aligns with their trading preferences.
For U.S. traders considering E8 Markets, this lack of clarity means reaching out directly to the firm or digging into the platform’s specifications to figure out what’s available.
Tradable Instruments Comparison Table
The table below highlights the stark differences between FTMO’s global and U.S. offerings, as well as the uncertainty surrounding E8 Markets:
| Instrument Category | FTMO Global | FTMO U.S. (via OANDA) | E8 Markets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex | All platform pairs | 42 pairs (Majors, Minors, select Exotics) | Information not available |
| Indices | All platform indices | 3 U.S. indices | Information not available |
| Commodities | Full range, including metals | Gold, Crude Oil | Information not available |
| Stocks | All platform stocks | Not available | Information not available |
| Cryptocurrencies | All platform crypto | BTCUSD only | Information not available |
Key Takeaways for U.S. Traders
For U.S.-based traders, the limitations imposed by FTMO x OANDA can significantly impact strategy development. If you rely on trading stock CFDs, multiple cryptocurrency pairs, or a broader selection of commodities, these restrictions could be a dealbreaker. On the other hand, if your focus is primarily on forex and major indices, FTMO’s U.S. offering might still meet your needs.
Choosing the right prop firm becomes even more critical for traders with specific market preferences. Always double-check whether the available instruments align with your trading goals to ensure you’re not boxed into a strategy that doesn’t suit your style.
Choosing the Right Prop Firm for U.S. Traders
When comparing FTMO and E8 Markets, the differences between the two become clear. The best choice for you will hinge on how well their features match your trading style and objectives. For a deeper dive into their evaluation processes, platform technology, and market access, refer to the earlier sections.
Key Takeaways from the Comparison
Each firm takes a distinct approach, catering to different trader priorities. FTMO stands out with its clear and transparent evaluation process, making it a strong contender if clarity and structure are your top priorities. Before committing, double-check that their available trading instruments align with your strategy.
On the other hand, E8 Markets provides less publicly available information about its evaluation process and the instruments it offers. If you’re leaning toward E8 Markets, reaching out to them directly for details on their criteria, instrument selection, and scaling options is a smart move.
Platform compatibility is another critical factor. Both firms support MetaTrader platforms, which work seamlessly with professional VPS hosting solutions. For traders relying on automated strategies or requiring uninterrupted access to the markets, services like QuantVPS offer ultra-low latency and high-performance hosting tailored for prop trading.
Scaling opportunities also set the two firms apart. FTMO provides a structured path for account growth, rewarding consistent performance – a great choice if you value a clear framework for scaling. For E8 Markets, you’ll need to dig deeper to understand how their scaling options align with your growth goals.
Making the Best Choice for Your Trading Goals
Ultimately, your decision should reflect your trading priorities. If transparency and a well-defined evaluation process are essential to you, FTMO might be the better fit – especially if forex trading is your focus and their offerings meet your needs. However, if you prefer a more personalized approach and are comfortable reaching out for additional information, E8 Markets could still be worth exploring.
Be sure the firm you choose supports the platforms and asset classes that are central to your trading strategy. A reliable infrastructure is crucial for maintaining consistent performance. Solutions like QuantVPS can ensure stability, whether you’re executing trades manually or running automated systems.
FAQs
How do FTMO and E8 Markets differ in their trader evaluation processes?
FTMO has a two-step evaluation process that starts with a challenge phase. Here, traders must hit specific profit targets, such as achieving a 10% return, while staying within strict risk limits. These include a maximum daily loss of 5% and an overall drawdown cap of 10%. This setup is designed to test a trader’s ability to balance profitability with solid risk management.
E8 Markets takes a slightly different approach with a phased evaluation system. Traders need to meet profit targets of around 10% in Phase 1 and 5% in Phase 2. Their process puts a strong emphasis on steady performance and disciplined risk control. While both companies highlight the importance of managing risk, FTMO’s model is challenge-driven, whereas E8 Markets offers a multi-phase path with opportunities for account scaling to encourage growth.
What are the differences in trading platforms offered by FTMO and E8 Markets, and how might these affect U.S.-based traders?
FTMO provides access to MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, two of the most widely used trading platforms in the industry. Known for their advanced tools, extensive customization options, and intuitive interface, these platforms have become favorites among traders seeking a robust and flexible trading experience.
In contrast, E8 Markets offers TradeLocker and MatchTrader as its main platforms, accessible on both web and mobile. While these platforms are functional and cater to basic trading needs, they might feel a bit restrictive when compared to the advanced capabilities of MetaTrader. For traders in the U.S., especially those already familiar with MetaTrader, this difference could play a key role in their platform choice and overall trading approach.
How do FTMO and E8 Markets compare in terms of account scaling, and what does this mean for long-term trading growth?
FTMO provides a structured scaling plan that boosts funded accounts by 25% every four months, as long as traders meet specific performance benchmarks. This method promotes steady and gradual growth, making it a great choice for those looking to expand their accounts over time in a controlled manner.
E8 Markets takes a different approach, offering account scaling up to $500,000. Their focus is on rewarding traders who demonstrate consistent, long-term performance. This setup allows traders to handle larger accounts more quickly, presenting opportunities for higher profits and career advancement.
While both firms deliver impressive scalability, their strategies cater to different needs. FTMO prioritizes incremental growth, whereas E8 Markets appeals to those aiming for faster account expansion. The best choice ultimately depends on your trading objectives and how you plan to grow.
